Agenda Profile: Jaak Valge
Debate on the matter of significant national importance: "E-elections – a threat to democracy."
2024-05-09
15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Political Position
The political position is strongly skeptical regarding the security and reliability of e-elections, viewing the issue as a threat to democracy. The speaker casts doubt on interpreting the growth in the proportion of e-voters as an increase in trust, arguing that results can be falsified regardless of the voting method used. They emphasize that even 20% distrust toward e-voting is too high a figure.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Topic Expertise
The speaker demonstrates expertise regarding the historical dynamics of trust in e-voting, citing specific years and the percentage results from Skytte Institute surveys. They use statistical data (e.g., 65% in 2005 versus 59% in 2023) to support their arguments. Furthermore, they possess knowledge concerning the system's security vulnerabilities, specifically mentioning the potential for results falsification.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Rhetorical Style
The rhetorical style is formal and analytical, focusing on logical arguments and the presentation of statistical data concerning the volatility of trust in e-elections. The speaker presents their viewpoints in the form of critical and detailed questions, all while maintaining a skeptical tone. They employ irony, briefly adopting the persona of a coalition deputy, in order to lend support to the rapporteur.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Activity Patterns
The course of action is restricted to participating in the Riigikogu’s discussion of a matter of national importance, specifically by posing comprehensive and evidence-based questions to the rapporteur. The speaker also asks follow-up questions aimed at deepening the debate regarding confidence.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Opposition Stance
The confrontation is aimed at proponents of e-voting—the "propagandists"—who use the growing participation rate as an argument for trust. The speaker also criticizes the "strange anomalies" observed during the 2023 Riigikogu elections. He refutes accusations that EKRE is politicizing the issue, pointing instead to previously low levels of confidence (dating back to 2013).
2 Speeches Analyzed
Collaboration Style
The speaker demonstrates a pragmatic willingness to cooperate, offering support to the presenter Kadri Tali, even if it necessitates temporarily assuming the role of a coalition representative. This collaboration is aimed at supporting a shared objective: the critical assessment of e-elections.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Regional Focus
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Economic Views
Insufficient data.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Social Issues
The social issue being addressed is the reliability of democratic processes and citizens' trust in the electoral system. The speaker emphasizes that low confidence and the potential rigging of results threaten democracy.
2 Speeches Analyzed
Legislative Focus
Legislative attention is focused on issues of security and trust within the national electoral system (e-voting). The speaker acts as a critical voice or an opponent regarding the current electoral arrangement.
2 Speeches Analyzed